Transgender Awareness Week will kick off this year on Thursday 13th November and run until Wednesday 19th November. If you’re wondering why it’s so important to mark this occasion, the fact that Thursday 20th November is Transgender Day of Remembrance should answer that question. Read on to find out more about this year’s events and why it’s important that trans people and allies continue to push for progress.
The important role of allies
Trans people all around the world continue to face prejudice and discrimination. Social exclusion, transphobia and incidents of hate crimes are an all too regular occurrence. Whilst there are many great charities, organisations and inspirational campaigners that are doing exceptional work in terms of breaking down barriers, the truth is trans people need more allies to amplify their message of acceptance and equality.
How to be an ally
• Educate yourself: Listen to the thoughts, opinions and lived-experiences of trans people. Broaden your understanding of the key issues that are affecting trans people today such as discrimination in the workplace, increased risk of violence and lack of access to appropriate healthcare.
• Respect pronouns: Make the effort to use the right pronouns. You can set the tone from the get-go by introducing yourself and explaining what your own pronouns are.
• Understand boundaries: Don’t ask intrusive questions about a person’s gender. If you’re unsure, ask yourself if it would be acceptable to ask a cis person the same question.
• Be inclusive: From your choice of language to your actions, ensure trans people are included and involved in all areas of life.
• Call out discrimination and stamp out stigma: Lead by example by correcting inappropriate language and calling out unacceptable, transphobic behaviour.
• Be kind: Be empathetic to others and quite simply, show kindness.
How to support Transgender Awareness Week
Hundreds of events will take place across the world to mark Transgender Awareness Week – from film screenings, book readings and discussions, to art exhibitions, fashion shows and club nights. Show your support by sharing, promoting and attending these events.
You can also help to educate your own network by sharing information and resources with friends, family and colleagues. In addition, you could volunteer your time or donate to organisations that support the trans community.
You can also show your support as an ally by respecting Transgender Day of Remembrance which follows Transgender Awareness Week.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance will take place on Thursday 20th November to honour the memory of the transgender people who have lost their lives as a result of transphobic violence.
Established in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, it began as a vigil in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and today that tradition sadly continues.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”
– Transgender Day of Remembrance founder, Gwendolyn Ann Smith
Waterside Clinic welcomes you
Waterside Clinic is proud to provide supportive transgender and non-binary care within a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. If you would like to find out more about our services, get in touch with our friendly team on 0131 202 5314, or email us on hello@waterside.clinic.